May says 3m EU citizens can stay in Britain

Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, cautiously welcomed Mrs May’s offer. “This is a good start,” she saidGEERT VANDEN WIJNGAERT/AP

Three million EU nationals living in Britain will have the chance to remain indefinitely after Brexit as long as UK citizens in Europe receive an equivalent deal, Theresa May said last night.

The prime minister’s “fair and serious offer” is dependent on British courts having the power to rule over the rights held by European citizens, however — meaning that it may be rejected by her EU counterparts.

Addressing the 27 EU leaders during a summit in Brussels, Mrs May gave a “clear commitment” that no EU citizen living lawfully in Britain would have to leave when Brexit takes effect.

Those who have been in Britain for five years before an unspecified cut-off date will be awarded “settled status”, meaning that they are treated in…